Bingo Game Card Stencil

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a stencil for bingo game boards. The stencil includes a front and rear side and a plurality of cutouts therethrough. The cutouts on the stencil form various bingo formations that are commonly played. The rear side of the stencil includes a pocket that is adapted to hold a bingo game board therein. The pocket is constructed to hold the bingo game board securely, thereby eliminating the need for additional fasteners. In use, a bingo game board is placed behind the stencil and inserted into the pocket so that the numbers disposed on the board are shown through the cutouts. The stencil allows users to see the numbers that are shown through the cutouts while blocking the rest of the numbers from view. In this way, the present invention assists users in identifying numbers on a bingo game board that form a winning bingo formation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/861,252 filed on Aug. 1, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a stencil for playing bingo. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a stencil that includes a pocket that holds a bingo game card. The present invention provides assistance when playing bingo, as it allows users to easily identify the numbers that form various bingo formations.

Bingo is a popular game of chance played with randomly drawn numbers which players match against numbers that have been pre-printed on five-by-five matrices. The matrices may be printed on bingo game boards that is generally composed of paper or card stock. Many versions of bingo conclude the game when one player achieves a specified pattern from the drawn numbers. There are numerous patterns that may be specified for play. Some games require only one number to be matched, while other games require a straight line. Another common special game requires players to cover the four corners, form a letter or a symbol, or cover a row or a column. Finally, some games require players to cover a column under one of the letters in the word “BINGO.”

As any variety of patterns may be played, it is difficult and confusing to identify the numbers that form a winning pattern. For this reason, all wins are checked for accuracy before the win is officially confirmed at which time the prize is secured and a new game is begun. Many players receive assistance during the game, but this is often impractical and inconvenient.

The present invention provides a stencil for bingo game boards that is designed to allow players to easily identify numbers that are required to form a winning pattern. The present stencil comprises a plurality of cutouts to display numbers that form a particular pattern while blocking other numbers from view. In this way, the use of the present invention helps prevent a player from incorrectly declaring himself or herself a winner. Furthermore, the present invention secures the bingo game board in place inside of a pocket that is disposed on the rear surface of the stencil. The present invention is ideal for use by elderly persons or those unfamiliar with bingo rules.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to bingo game board templates, and further to those emphasizing a template for determining whether a player has a winning game board. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. Some of these patents describe a masking template for bingo games having cutouts in a particular bingo game pattern. Other patents describes a perforated stencil for bingo game boards having an adhesive backing for holding bingo game boards. These devices, however, do not disclose a set of stencils for various bingo games wherein each of the stencils includes a pocket for removably attaching a bingo game board thereto. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,057 to McCullen discloses a set of masking template for bingo games. The masking template is composed of plastic material and comprises a plurality of cutouts to expose only the numbers of the particular game being called. Each of the masking templates in the set may have different cutouts to accommodate different games. While the McCullen device discloses a template for bingo games comprising various cutouts for different bingo games, McCullen device does not disclose a pocket disposed on back of the templates. The present invention comprises a pocket that is disposed on the rear surface of a stencil for bingo game boards. In this way, the present invention is adapted to align the game board and the stencil while holding the bingo game board in place, providing convenience to the user.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,210 to Fioravanti discloses a stencil for a bingo game board, comprising a plastic sheet of stencils having perforations surrounding each number location. The perforated areas may be removed to leave a pattern of openings corresponding to the game pattern to be played. The sheet of stencils may further include a thin layer of pressure sensitive adhesive to hold the stencil in place when placed on a bingo game board. While Fioravanti discloses a stencil for a bingo game board that comprises bingo patterns for different games, the purpose and design of the Fioravanti device differ from the present invention. The perforated portions of the stencil in Fioravanti is not advantageous because a user may select an incorrect perforated area and use a stencil showing an incorrect pattern that does not correspond to the spacing of bingo patterns on the game board. Additionally, Fioravanti device has limited use in the fact that the adhesive is ideal for single use. In contrast, the present invention provides a pre-perforated stencil with a pocket. The pre-perforated stencil ensures that the user has a correct bingo card pattern, and eliminates the need for the user to individually cutout a pattern. Furthermore, the pocket provides a place for the user to hold the bingo game board while securing the same.

Another device, U.S. Pat. No. 3,913,921 to Aline discloses a mask for a bingo card. The mask is composed of plastic material and comprises a transparent portion and an opaque layer. The transparent portion allows a user to see the bingo game board that is positioned below the mask. The transparent portion forms a pattern to display numbers that correspond to a particular bingo game. The Aline device, however, is limited in that it does not allow the user to fill out the bingo game board while the mask is in place. In contrast, the present invention comprises a plurality of cutouts that allow the user to make markings directly on the game board. In this way, the user is able to easily identify the numbers that have been called during the game.

U.S. Published Patent Application Number 2012/0104693 to Ayagalria discloses a bingo caddy comprising a bingo card and one or more sets of stencils thereon. The stencils comprise a plurality of apertures that form a pattern, which correspond with a bingo game that is being played. While the Ayagalria device discloses a template for bingo games comprising various cutouts for different bingo games, the Ayagalria device is limited in that a user may utilize only one pattern for multiple game boards during a single round of bingo. In contrast, the present invention comprises a set of bingo stencils wherein each of the stencils may be independently used with a game board in a single round of bingo. Furthermore, the Ayagalria device does not disclose a pocket disposed on back of the templates. The present invention comprises a pocket that is disposed on the rear surface of the stencil. In this way, the present invention can secure the bingo game board in place so that the cutouts are aligned to the game board.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,536 to Cole discloses a bingo card holding and marking device comprising a transparent sheet of plastic having a plurality of apertures thereon. The device further comprises an adhesive coating so as to secure bingo cards thereto. While the Cole device provides means to secure bingo cards, it is not desirable to use an adhesive coating as it is difficult and often impracticable to remove paper from the adhesive coating. The present invention provides a pocket that allows a user to removably attach a bingo game card to the stencil.

These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. These devices lack means to removably secure a bingo game board to the stencil while aligning the stencil to the board. The present invention provides a set of stencils for various bingo games, wherein each of the stencils further comprise a pocket disposed along its rear surface. The pocket is disposed along the lower portion of the stencil so that it automatically aligns the stencil and the bingo game board when the game board is placed therein. It is therefore submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art devices, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing bingo game board templates. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of bingo game board templates now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new improvement to a bingo game board stencil wherein the same can be utilized for identifying winning formations disposed on the bingo game board.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bingo game board stencil that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bingo game board stencil that comprises a plurality of cutouts that correspond to various bingo game patterns.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved bingo game board stencil that includes a pocket for removably attaching a bingo game board while aligning the bingo game board to the stencil.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved bingo game board stencil that may be used as a set or individually with one or more bingo game boards.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved bingo game board stencil that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved bingo game board stencil that increases the ease of playing and of understanding the various bingo formations that are amongst standard bingo board play.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and in manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a front planar view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a rear planar view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a front planar view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a front planar view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a front planar view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a front planar view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A shows a front view of a bingo game board being inserted into the bingo game board stencil of the present invention.

FIG. 7B shows a rear view of a bingo game board being inserted into the bingo game board stencil of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a view of the present invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the bingo game board stencil. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as utilized for identifying winning formations disposed on the bingo game board. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown a front planar view and a rear planar view of an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. The present invention comprises a bingo game board stencil 21 that is substantially rectangular in shape with a defined top edge opposite a bottom edge, and a first side edge opposite a second side edge. The stencil 21 is composed of plastic, laminate, or other suitable material. The stencil 21 comprises a front surface 22 and a rear surface 31. The stencil 21 further comprises a plurality of cutouts in a pattern of various bingo formations. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts 25 form a three-tier cake formation. More specifically, the cutouts 25 are elongated in shape and span laterally across the stencil 21. The cutouts 25 are spaced apart at regular intervals so that it is adapted to show every other row of numbers disposed on a bingo game board. Optionally, the stencil 21 may further include a cutout 24 that is adapted to show the word “BINGO” that is located on the top portion of the bingo game board.

The rear surface 31 comprises a pocket 30 that is composed of plastic or other suitable material. The pocket 30 is disposed along the lower portion of the rear surface 31. In the exemplary embodiment, the pocket 30 may span approximately one-third of the lower portion of the rear surface 31. In other embodiments, however, the pocket 30 may span the entire length of the rear surface 31 or the pocket 30 may span any various length thereof. The specific dimension of the pocket 30 is not of primary relevance with regard to the intent of the present invention, which portends to provide a pocket that allows the user to removably attach a bingo game board to the rear surface of the stencil 21. The pocket 30 includes a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges. The bottom and side edges are affixed to the rear surface 31, leaving the top edge open. The pocket 30 may be attached to the rear surface 31 via strong adhesive, heat seal material, or the like. The top edge is adapted to receive a bingo game board therein. The pocket 30 rests flat against the rear surface 31 so that the bingo game board may be held securely therein without requiring additional fasteners or attachment means.

The stencil 21 may be used individually or as a set. When the stencil 21 is used in a set, an aperture 23 that is disposed on the top portion of the stencil 21 may be utilized to secure the stencils 21 together. In this regard, the aperture 23 is adapted to receive a binder ring, loose-leaf ring, or other suitable fastener that is adapted to removably hold multiple stencils 21 together. Accordingly, one or more stencils 21 may be taken off of the binder ring, loose-leaf ring, or other suitable fastener for individual use.

FIG. 3 shows a front planar view of a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment, the stencil 21 comprises a front surface 22 that is coextensive with the rear surface. The second embodiment of the present invention also includes an aperture 23 that is preferably located on the same location as the aperture 23 disposed on the first embodiment. Additionally, the cutout 24 is adapted to display the word “BINGO” that is disposed on a bingo game board.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts 26 form a four corner formation. Each of the cutouts 26 is constructed to display a single number at each of the corners of the bingo game board. The front surface 22 prevent the user from viewing other numbers disposed on the bingo game board. In this way, the stencil 21 of the present invention helps the user identify the four numbers that would form a winning four corner formation.

FIG. 4 shows a front planar view of a third embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutout 27 forms a letter formation. More specifically, the cutout 27 forms a letter T by allowing the user to see a top row of numbers and a middle column of numbers disposed on the bingo game board. As such, the numbers that are not located on the top row or the middle column are not visible to the user, thereby preventing the user from marking numbers that are not part of the winning formation.

FIG. 5 shows a front planar view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts 28 form another letter formation. More specifically, the cutouts 28 form a letter X, comprising two diagonal cutouts that intersect in the middle. Each of the cutouts 28 are constructed to display a single number on the bingo game board. The cutouts extend diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner so that the diagonals intersect at the middle portion of the bingo game board. In other embodiments, the cutouts may form other letters of the alphabet.

FIG. 6 shows a front planar view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutout 29 forms a cross formation. The cutout 29 allows the user to see a middle row of numbers and middle column of numbers disposed on the bingo game board. In this way, the front surface 22 hides the numbers that are located on each of the quadrants of the bingo game board. In other embodiments, the present invention may comprise cutouts that may form other symbols or numbers.

FIG. 7A shows a front view of a bingo game board being inserted into the bingo game board stencil of the present invention. While the present bingo game board stencil 21 may be utilized with a variety of bingo game boards, it is preferred that the present stencil 21 is used with an associated bingo game board 32. The bingo game board 32 is composed of thin cardboard or other suitable material. In use, the bingo game board 32 is placed behind the stencil 21 so that the front side of the board 32 directly contacts the rear surface of the stencil 21. Thereafter, the game board 32 is aligned to the stencil 21 so that the numbers disposed on the board 32 is shown through the cutouts on the stencil 21 to form a game pattern.

FIG. 7B shows a rear view of a bingo game board being inserted into the bingo game board stencil of the present invention. As discussed above, the bingo game board 32 is positioned behind the stencil 21 so that the front of the board 32 is adjacent to the rear surface 31 of the stencil 21. The lower portion of the board 32 is inserted through the open top edge of the pocket 30 until the lower portion of the board 32 is positioned near the bottom edge of the pocket 30 within its interior. The game board 32 fits snugly into the pocket 30 so that the pocket 30 can hold the game board 32 without the use of additional fastening means. In some embodiments, the pocket 30 is adapted to stretch slightly to allow the board 32 to fit therein.

FIG. 8 shows a view of the present invention in use as a set. In the illustrated view, one or more stencils 21 are held together via a binder ring 33 that is inserted through the aperture 23 and securely closed. The binder ring 33 allows the user to easily flip through the set of stencils 21 to locate one that is desired for use. The bingo game board 32 is held within the pocket that is disposed on the rear surface of the stencil 21 so that the numbers on the board 32 are shown through the cutouts on the stencil 21. In this way, the user is able to identify the numbers that need to be marked in order for the user to complete a winning formation. Additionally, the pocket holds the game board 32 in place while the user flips through the stencils 21.

The present invention also assists the user by providing a diagram of the formation being played. The diagram is a representation of the bingo game board, and includes markings that correspond to the cutout pattern disposed on the stencil 21. Additionally, the stencil 21 may be labeled so that the user may locate the correct stencil 21 when a particular bingo game pattern is called.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A stencil for bingo game boards, comprising: a stencil having a front side that is coextensive with a rear side; said rear side having a pocket that is adapted to hold a bingo game board therein; one or more cutouts forming a pattern; wherein said one or more cutouts are adapted to display a portion of said bingo game board. 2) The stencil for bingo game boards of claim 1, wherein said pocket is disposed on a lower portion of said rear side. 3) The stencil for bingo game boards of claim 1, wherein said one or more cutouts display four corners of said bingo game board. 4) The stencil for bingo game boards of claim 1, wherein said one or more cutouts are X-shaped. 5) The stencil for bingo game boards of claim 1, wherein said one or more cutouts are T-shaped. 6) The stencil for bingo game boards of claim 1, wherein said one or more cutouts are cross-shaped. 7) The stencil for bingo game boards of claim 1, wherein said one or more cutouts extend laterally across said stencil. 8) The stencil for bingo game boards of claim 1, further comprising a horizontal cutout along a top portion of said stencil. 9) The stencil for bingo game boards of claim 1, further comprising an aperture disposed on a top portion of said stencil. 10) The stencil for bingo game boards of claim 9, further comprising a binder ring that is looped through said aperture. 11) The stencil for bingo game boards of claim 1, further comprising a printed design on said front side. 12) The stencil for bingo game boards of claim 1, wherein said stencil further comprises: a length from a top edge of said stencil to a bottom edge of said stencil; a width from a first side edge of said stencil to a second side edge of said stencil; said pocket spanning a portion of said length and a portion of said width. 